TUESDAY 13 AUGUST 2024 www.thestatesman.com X.com/thestatesmanltd. Fb/thestatesman1875 INDIA’S NATIONAL NEWSPAPER SINCE 1818 Pages 14 |` 5.00|LC* KOLKATA | NEW DELHI | SILIGURI | BHUBANESWAR CONG TAKES JIBE AT SEBI, REITERATES DEMAND FOR JPC ‘RAHUL GANDHI FOLLOWING CHINA’S ORDERS’ P4 SENSEX 79,648.92 WEATHER Generally cloudy sky. Light to moderate rain / thundershower very likely to occur. Maximum and Minimum Temperature most likely to be around 33˚C & 28˚C respectively. RAINFALL: 0.0 mm RELATIVE HUMIDITY Max. 92 % P9 ` vs $ 83.96 GOLD 72,070 P14 SILVER 82,500 CM vows CBI probe if no headway by Sunday BRENT CRUDE (IN $) 80.34 Congress, toolkit gang together to usher in economic anarchy: BJP Amid massive protests, the principal of R.G. Kar Medical College resigned on Monday Min. 67% TEMPERATURE Max: 33.5˚C (+1.1) SUN RISES 05:13 hrs MOON RISES 22:43 hrs P5 NIFTY 24,347.00 CRICKET’S RETURN TO OLYMPICS WILL BE BENEFICIAL TO THE GAME: PONTING UKRAINE’S INCURSION INTO KURSK IS AN ATTEMPT TO STOP MOSCOW Min: 28.0˚C (+1.2) SUN SETS 18:11 hrs MOON SETS 11:35 hrs Full Moon on 19 August THUMBNAILS Kanwariyas wait in a queue to offer prayers at Kashi Vishwanath Temple on the fourth Monday of Sawan month, in Varanasi on Monday. n ANI India's retail inflation softens: Breaching 5 per cent in June, the retail inflation rate in India softened drastically in July. According to data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation on Monday, retail inflation or Consumer Price Index in July was at 3.54 per cent. In June, taking a departure from the moderation it witnessed in the past months, it rose to 5.08 per cent, pushed by rising food prices. In July, there was a sharp decline in the year-on-year inflation rate based on the All India Consumer Price Index (CPI), which is the lowest in the last 59 months. (PG10) STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE KOLKATA, 12 AUGUST W est Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Monday that the probe in the alleged rape and murder of the trainee doctor of Kolkata-based R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital will be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) if the Kolkata Police is unable to complete the investigation by next Sunday. A special investigation team (SIT) of Kolkata Police under the direct supervision of the joint commissioner (crime) of the city police Murli Dhar, is currently probing the case. “If the police are unable to complete the investigation by next Sunday, then the responsibility of the investigation in the case will be handed over to the CBI,” the Chief Minister told media persons after meeting the family members of the victim. The Chief Minister’s statement came just a couple of hours after the Kolkata Police issued a public appeal earlier in the day through social media urging the public to have faith in the investigation being carried out by the SIT of the city police. She had STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 12 AUGUST earlier also made a statement that if the family members of the victim and the protesting junior doctor and medical students of R.G. Kar insist on a central agency probe, she will not have any objection to that. City police commissioner Vineet Kumar Goyal, too, reiterated the CM's statement on the matter. While affirming that the probe will be handed over to CBI, if the ongoing police investigation in the matter is not completed by next Sunday, the Chief Minister also said on Monday she had taken this decision despite being aware that the success rate of CBI in investigation is not satisfactory. “I am aware of the success rate of CBI. They are yet to resolve the case of the Nobel Medal theft of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore. Still in this matter, the charge of the investigation will be handed over to the CBI for the sake of public satisfaction,” she said. The CM also said that she has instructed the city police to file the charge sheet within the next three to four days, move a fast-track court in the matter and if necessary, make an appeal for capital punishment for the guilty. “The person who committed such a crime does not deserve any mercy,” she added. She also expressed solidarity towards the protesting junior doctors and medical students. “Their demands are justified and I express my full solidarity towards them,” the Chief Minister said. Amid massive protests over the rape and murder of a trainee doctor on the campus, the principal of Kolkata-based R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital, Dr Sandip Ghosh, on Monday resigned, appealing to the protesting medical students and house staff to withdraw their demonstrations. Amid the growing anger and outrage over the rape and murder of a Kolkata doctor, doctors across many hospitals of the country have joined the protests and halted elective services, demanding that the perpetrators of heinous crimes be brought to book. The Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) on Monday wrote to the Union Home Minister and announced the nationwide halting of elective services in hospitals to express solidarity with the doctors of Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The BJP on Monday launched a sharp attack on Congress and its allies over the latest Hindenburg report, saying "they have conspired together to usher in economic anarchy and instability in India". In its report, the US-based short seller alleged that “Buch and her husband Dhaval Buch had stakes in obscure offshore entities used in the Adani money siphoning scandal”. Reacting to the Hindenburg Research report against Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch, senior BJP leader said, "Following their third consecutive defeat, the Congress party, INDI Alliance, and their supporters are struggling to come to terms with Modi Ji's (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) third term as Prime Minister of India." Addressing a press conference at party headquarters here, Ravi Shankar Prasad said, "After being rebuffed by the people of India, the Congress party, its allies, and India steps up maritime patrolling to Excise policy: Delhi CM Kejriwal prevent illegal intrusion from Bangladesh challenges his arrest by CBI in SC STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 12 AUGUST In view of recent developments in Bangladesh, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has beefed up security along the International Maritime Boundary Line to prevent any illegal intrusion in India. ''The ICG has aptly positioned operational units for robust surveillance in the region and to foul any attempts at illegal migration through sea routes. Surface surveillance has been enhanced along the Indo-Bangladesh International Maritime Boundary Line or IMBL by Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) and Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs). Layered surface surveillance has been instituted by additional FPVs. All units at sea have been advised to moni- tor/Board all fishing boats and undertake positive identification of Indian fishermen,'' a press release from the ICG said on Monday. ICG Deputy Director General Anupam Rai was quoted as saying by a news agency that the security has been bolstered to address any potential threats. "After the political unrest in Bangladesh, Indian Coast Guard has enhanced its Skirmish between Indian, Chinese troops in Durbuk Sector patrolling and surveillance along the international maritime boundary line...To prevent any hostile act and illegal intrusion we have beefed up the security, positioned two to three ships...Sunderban Creek areas are being patrolled by our air cushion vessels and interceptor boats," he said. He further detailed that the Sunderban Creek areas are being closely monitored with air cushion vessels and interceptor boats. The Indian Coast Guard's coastal surveillance radars at Haldia, Paradeep, and Gopalpur are operating around the clock, scanning the close coasts of India for any signs of illegal activity. "Till now no illegal activity has been seen but we have very specifically told our ships to board all fishing boats or any vessels that are close to the Indo-Bangladesh International Maritime Border Line (IMBL) or in the creek areas, " he added. Meanwhile, the Border Security forces have also tightened security along the Indo-Bangladesh international border in response to the ongoing crisis in Bangladesh. Deployment at border outposts has also been increased, and all surveillance equipment is being utilized to ensure effective monitoring. The Ministry of Home Affairs has formed a committee, led by the Additional Director General (ADG) of the BSF Eastern Command, to monitor the situation at the Indo-Bangladesh Border (IBB). AGENCIES NEW DELHI, 12 AUGUST Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging his arrest by the Central Bureau of Investigation in the excise policy case and has also filed a bail plea. The Delhi High Court had earlier dismissed his petition challenging the arrest and advised him to seek bail from the trial court. While dismissing Kejriwal's plea challenging his arrest, the HC stated that the prosecution has explained that, respecting his position as CM of NCT of Delhi, the police treaded with trepidation and caution and proceeded to collect the evidence from other persons suspected to be the accused. Consequently, extensive investigations were carried out across India to ascertain the entire web of conspiracy involving numerous persons. In his plea to the Delhi HC, CM Kejriwal stated that he is the National Convenor of a National Political Party (Aam Aadmi Party) and the sitting CM of Delhi, who is being subjected to "gross persecution and harassment for wholly malafide and extraneous considerations." The court noted that the Investigating Agency has further explained that it is only after sufficient material was collected against the petitioner over one and a half years, that they sought the sanction for prosecution of the petitioner, which was granted on April 23, 2024. The reasons for not proceeding immediately against the petitioner after registration of the FIR are Elephants linked to India’s culture & history: PM Modi STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE SP SHARMA JAMMU, 12 AUGUST Skirmishes between the Indian and Chinese troops were reported on Monday morning in the Burtse area near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Durbuk Sector of Ladakh. Sources said sticks were used freely by both sides during the confrontation that took place at 4 am. The trouble started with the Chinese troops reportedly burning two RCC huts on the Indian side of the LAC. This was followed by a faceoff between the Indian and PLA troops of China. The area where the confrontation took place comes under the 81 Infantry Brigade, sources said. The minor skirmishes took place near the LAC pillar point The trouble started with the Chinese troops reportedly burning two RCC huts on the Indian side of the LAC. 12 while an Armoured Battalion was being replaced from the area. Tension has been prevailing between the Indian and Chinese Armies since June 2020 when soldiers of both sides were engaged in a physical confrontation in the Galwan valley. The clashes resulted in the death of 20 Indian soldiers, including a colonel. Thereafter, India and China have held at least 20 rounds of military talks and 13 rounds of foreign office led discussions but there is no letup in the tensions. thus well explained by the CBI and do not reek of malice. The court further said "it is correct and true" that the petitioner herein is not an ordinary citizen of this country but is a distinguished holder of the Magsaysay Award and a convenor of the AAP. "The control and influence that he has over the witnesses, is prima facie borne out by the fact that these witnesses could muster the courage to be witnesses only after the arrest of the petitioner, as highlighted by the Special Prosecutor. Also, it establishes that the loop of evidence against the petitioner was closed after the collection of relevant evidence after his arrest. No malice whatsoever can be gathered from the acts of the respondent," the court observed. NEW DELHI, 12 AUGUST Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday reiterated India's commitment to provide everything possible to ensure elephants get a conducive habitat where they can thrive. Modi appreciated the wide range of community efforts to protect elephants on the occasion of World Elephant Day. He also highlighted the elephants' value and their importance to ''our culture and history''. The prime minister has expressed appreciation for the rise in elephant numbers over the years. Every year August 12, is celebrated as World Elephant Day across the globe to reaffirm mankind's collective pledge to conserve one of the most iconic species on the planet. In a post on X, Modi said, “World Elephant Day is an occasion to appreciate the wide range of community efforts to protect elephants. At the same time, we reaffirm our commitment to doing everything possible to ensure elephants get a conducive habitat where they can thrive. For us in India, the elephant is linked to our culture and history, too. And it’s gladdening that over the last few years, their numbers have been on the rise.” Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav expressed pride over the increased number of elephant reserves in the last 10 years. In a post on X, Yadav said, "On #WorldElephantDay, India stands proud for being the home to about 60% of all Asian elephants. They embody majestic beauty, hold deep religious and cultural significance, and play a vital role in our ecosystem. Proud that the number of elephant reserves has risen in the last 10 years. Let us celebrate our jumbos and the strong bond we share with them." "The elephant population in India continues to be stable. Under the PM Shri @narendramodi-led government, the number of elephant reserves has also gone up to 33 over the last 10 years. Public participation in elephant conservation is rising reflecting the strong cultural, religious and ecological bonds we as a people share with our jumbos," the Union Minister said in another post on X. its closest allies (i.e. the toolkit gang) have conspired together to usher in economic anarchy and instability in India." "They are plotting to disrupt India's economic stability. The Hindenburg report's release sparks a coordinated effort to rattle the capital market," he added. Pointing out that following an investigation under the Supreme Court's jurisdiction, the SEBI had served a notice to Hindenburg in July, he lamented that rather than submitting a response in its defence, Hindenburg released this report, which lacks any credible basis. The senior BJP leader said India has received record numbers of FIIs and FPIs. The country has emerged as a safe, secure and promising market. "However, disregarding every achievement of the country, the Opposition is hellbent on spreading negativity all around," Prasad said. "We must remember that today, there are crores of small investors in India. If India's stock market is disrupted, small investors will be troubled," Prasad said. Population of India expected to reach 152.2 cr by 2036: Report STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE NEW DELHI, 12 AUGUST The population of India is expected to reach 152.2 crore by 2036, with a slightly improved female percentage of 48.8 per cent as compared to 48.5 per cent in 2011, as per the publication titled 'Women and Men in India 2023' released by the Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation on Monday. The proportion of individuals under 15 years is projected to decrease from 2011 to 2036, likely due to declining fertility, it said. According to the report issued by the Ministry, conversely, the proportion of the population aged 60 years and above is anticipated to substantially increase during this period. "India's population in 2036 is expected to be more feminine compared to the 2011 population, as reflected in the sex ratio which is projected to increase from 943 in 2011 to 952 by 2036, highlighting a positive trend in gender equality," it said. The Ministry, while referring to the Women and Men in India 2023, said, "It is evident that from 2016 to 2020, Age Specific Fertility Rate in the age group of 20-24 & 25-29 has reduced from 135.4 and 166.0 to 113.6 and 139.6 respectively. The ASFR for the age 35-39 for the above period has increased from 32.7 to 35.6 which shows that after settling in life, women are thinking of expansion of family." "Adolescent Fertility Rate was 33.9 for illiterate population whereas 11.0 for the literate in 2020. This rate is considerably lower for even those who are literate but without any formal education (20.0) as compared to illiterate women reemphasizing the importance of imparting education to women," it said.